As a travel therapist, networking is an important factor for a career in healthcare. Not only will this strengthen your network of professionals, but it can also present you with experiences and opportunities to advance your career. However, in order to have a strong professional social network, it is pertinent to incorporate a series of communication and self-marketing skills to prepare yourself for interacting with various professionals within your field. Some people tend to overlook the importance of networking in healthcare, but this is a crucial step to help you advance within your career. If you want to take advantage of new opportunities and build your resume, keep reading for our four networking tips to strengthen your social network as a therapist.
4 Networking Tips to Strengthen Your Social Network as a Therapist
1: Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Within the age of technology, social media is an important tool to expand your network of professionals. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn are perfect for marketing yourself as a brand. Utilizing these platforms allows potential employers and companies to learn more about you. The world of social media is open to many possibilities, thus serving as one of the best venues to build connections. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter enable you to learn more about your industry and engage with other professionals in your field, giving you access to connect with others in an informal setting. Aside from networking with other therapists, connecting with patients is also a great strategy for expanding your network. After all, everyone is connected. However, if you decide to connect with patients on social media be sure to keep it professional and keep HIPPA in mind when communicating with any patient on social media.
2: Practice Strong Communication Skills
A key component of self-marketing is to have strong communication skills. You never know where you might find yourself building connections; therefore, always interact with everyone you meet. Strive to regularly communicate with your patients as well as your staff members when you are on assignments. Face-to-face interactions are important aspects of building your social network as a therapist. Because your job requires you to work closely with patients, having strong communication skills is a necessity for relationship building.
When in doubt, try to avoid sales pitches as part of your self-marketing strategy. People want to have personable and memorable conversations with you because they want to learn about you. Therefore, talk about the things in which you are passionate about in order to prevent these types of conversations in your encounters. When in doubt, project confidence and mind your manners.
3: Attend Networking Events
If you want to build your social network, get out of your office and attend networking events. Large hospitals are known for hosting sponsored events, fundraisers, and guest lectures within the field of healthcare. Join professional healthcare associations to stay updated on new events and news on all things healthcare. Becoming a part of an organization or simply attending networking events provide exposure for yourself to be seen by potential employers and colleagues, greatly increasing your opportunity to increase your connections.
4: Make a Good First Impression
First impressions are important, so make it count! Before you attend any networking events, make sure that you are prepared with an elevator pitch to describe your interests and your current position. An elevator pitch is a great way for potential employers and contacts to learn about you. It also serves as a great conversation starter. Aside from an elevator pitch, strive to maintain your body language when conversing with professionals.
Networking is an important aspect of the role of a therapist. Because you are constantly interacting with people, your job provides you with an avenue to network with everyone and anyone. Incorporate these networking tips to strengthen your social network as a therapist. Good luck networking and don’t forget to smile!
